Trans4mation: Governors State University Media Kit

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GOVERNORS STATE UNIVERSITY

G O V E R N O R S S TAT E U N I V E R S I T Y

TRANS4MATION

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: RHONDA BROWN OFFICE: 708.534.4044 MOBILE: 708.941.4444

Governors State University Kicks Off A New Era

GSU Trans4mation to a 4-Year University is cited as a “national model” University Park, IL – When Dr. Carol Geary Schneider, president of the Association of American Colleges and Universities, called the Governors State University move to a four-year university “a model,” she wasn’t just talking about what the university is doing, but how they’re doing it – particularly in times when university budgets are under intense scrutiny. “It is truly instructive to watch as Governors State now unveils a new and learning-centered approach to budgeting. By putting the learning students need centrally in view as the university sets budget priorities, Governors State is providing a much-needed model for colleges and universities across the country and for policy leaders as well.”

On August 22, GSU’s first freshman class will walk across the Convocation stage at the Center for the Performing Arts and into an innovative freshman program. “Our freshmen will have the uncommon experience of being taught by full-time faculty members rather than teaching assistants. That’s not often the case in public universities,” says GSU president Elaine P. Maimon.

“GSU’s transformation to a four-year university has given us an opportunity to draw on decades of research on student success to build model programs from the ground up,” explains Maimon. In addition to first-year classes being taught exclusively by full-time faculty members, freshman composition sections are limited in size – to fifteen – and students will be organized into cohorts following a structured core curriculum. General education courses are infused with cross-cutting strategies: writing, citizenship, ethics and innovative thinking.

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The GSU freshmen will take seminars inspired by the work of the Institute for Excellence in Undergraduate Education. The Institute’s President John N. Gardner and Senior Scholar Betsy O. Barefoot had this to say about GSU’s freshman experience: “Rarely does any university both take the opportunity and make the effort to create an ‘only one in the country’ beginning college experience quite like this. They have drawn from the best research findings and best practice from the most knowledgeable experts in college student success, including the University’s own experts. The University has really done it! These fortunate first-year students will experience a unique foundational experience the equal to, or better potentially than, any with which we have been associated — and to which it has been an honor to contribute to such an historic educational development process.”

Innovation in student living

The unique GSU freshman experience won’t end with the last class of the day. Approximately half the entering class will move into Prairie Place, the new on-campus residence. Here they’ll find themselves in a true living/ learning community, built on the model of the Yale College House system, with three full-time faculty members living in the residence and providing intellectual leadership to residential areas focusing on three themes: civic engagement, global citizenship, and sustainability, which are also the themes for the freshman cohorts.

Resident faculty member Dr. Deborah James says, “It is an opportunity for students to connect with faculty beyond the classroom, to create unique social interactions and to simply develop community in an academic setting. Not to mention, I enjoy the luxury of walking to work while living in the country.”

The new face of honors education

At GSU the Honors Program represents not only academic talent, but diversity. Of the freshmen who will be participating in the Honors Program, 44 percent are Hispanic, 44 percent African American and 6 percent Caucasian. The Honors Program invites GSU students from all academic disciplines to participate.

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This forward-thinking program offers opportunities for students to be more engaged in their studies, with a variety of formal and informal learning settings. It is designed to make a difference in each student’s life and provide motivation to go a step further, as well as maintain high expectations in reaching their fullest potential.

“The GSU Honors Program couples unique honors seminars and faculty mentoring with real-world experiences to create an enhanced academic program for our diverse population of high-achieving undergraduates” says Dr. David Rhea Director, University Honors Program and Associate Professor of Communication. “In The Honors Program, undergraduate students develop leadership skills, explore challenging subject matter and develop their own special talents and proficiencies.”

A key factor in GSU university life is that students find the university to be uniquely supportive of them personally. The result: many go beyond what they think they can reach and accomplish.

The celebration for GSU’s transformation will take place on August 22. For a full listing of all the events welcoming new students to GSU see attached.

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TRANS4MATION TRANS4MATION DAY – AUGUST 22 Final freshman orientation

9 a.m. – noon

Dual Degree Program BBQ**

11:30 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.

President’s Lunch for freshmen and their families

11:30 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.

Ice Cream Social

1 p.m.

Convocation

2 – 3:30 p.m.

Prairie Place ribbon cutting and reception

4:15 – 5:15 p.m.

FALL 2014 EVENTS AT GOVERNORS STATE UNIVERSITY Date

Event

Time

Aug. 11

Early Start classes begin* 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Aug. 14

New faculty orientation**

8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Aug. 21

Transfer/Grad student orientation*

noon – 5 p.m.

Aug. 21

New international student seminar*

9 – 11:30 a.m.

*students only **invitation only

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TRANS4MATION The Freshman Experience at Governors State University Curriculum Summary The transformation of Governors State to a four-year university begins with an innovative freshman experience.

A strong committee of faculty and administrators worked for more than two years to develop a curriculum based on the best research and experience. The result is a program that stresses learning communities, connections and support.

Student learning outcomes guide the program. They were developed in concert with recommendations from the Association of American Colleges and Universities’ Liberal Education and America’s Promise, or LEAP, and Lumina’s Degree Qualifications Profile for undergraduates. The outcomes encompass learning in the areas of foundational knowledge, practical skills, social responsibility and integrative learning. They clearly articulate the expectations for students and formed the basis for course development.

General Education Courses The general education courses feature three required, linked courses per semester during the first three semesters of college. The linked courses are taught by full time faculty in groups of no more than 30 students, except for the writing courses which are capped at 15 students. These courses are organized around three thematic areas including civic engagement, global citizenship and sustainability.

Students will stay in the same theme area for three semesters and have courses with the same group of students during that time. Faculty will coordinate shared readings and assignments that build on the theme. Extracurricular activities will also use the themes. This scheduling will guarantee each student a seat in the required courses and take the guess work out of which course meets the general education requirements. It will allow students to get to know each other and the faculty in smaller groups. It also allows exploration of different disciplines early in the college experience. At the end of those three semesters, students will have completed all their general education courses for communication, humanities & fine arts and social & behavioral sciences. They also will take one to two courses per semester outside the cohort to meet the requirements in math and science. The themes are not tied to any specific major and are open to all.

Freshman Support In the first year, students will have extra support. Each section of First Year Seminar will have a peer mentor. These upper division students are trained to answer questions, direct students and support their learning. The mentors will stay with the students for the full first year. In addition, a student success team will be devoted to each section.

These teams consist of a math tutor, library liaison, writing fellow and mental health counselor.

Throughout the first year, students will be encouraged to explore potential majors. Faculty will embed AAC&U’s High Impact Practices in the courses, such as learning communities, writing intensive courses, common intellectual experiences, collaborative assignments and service learning to accomplish the student learning outcomes.

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Sample Program of Study in the Civic Engagement Theme

Fall 1

Cohort Courses:

History of US to 1865

Spring 1

Non-cohort:

Writing Studies I

Math/Statistices

FYS: Interdisciplinary Humanities

Elective or Science

Fall 2 Cohort Courses: Macroeconomics

Elective

Science

Principles of Psychology

Fall 3 Junior Seminar: including transfer

Courses in Major & Minor

Fall 4 Courses in Major

Foundations of US Democracy Writing Studies II Intro to Visual & Performing Arts

Non-cohort: Elective

Science

Spring 2

Non-cohort:

Public Discourse

Cohort Courses:

Courses in Minor

Option:

Career Exploration

Pre-requisites for Major

Spring 3 Courses in Major

Courses in Minor

Spring 4 Capstone Project

Finish Courses in Major

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Meet the First GSU Freshman Class Walter Bennett – Chicago Heights, IL – “I’m excited. I came in having a GED. Most other schools didn’t accept that. They wanted a GPA. It’s like it wasn’t in the plan for me… GSU took me in and gave me an opportunity. And, I am really excited about the dorms!”

Walter Bennett

Saieed Ivey – Chicago, IL, Simeon Career Academy – “It’s a great opportunity.

Especially when you get the chance to be a part of something from the start and can look back years from now you can say, I helped it get to where it is now or I was a part of that. It’s just a lot to be grateful for. I’m around a good group of guys and a great

Saieed Ivey

coach. I like what he stands for – his morals. He makes me more than just a good basketball player.”

Danielle Manzo – Oak Lawn, IL, Marist H.S. – “I’m really excited to start that new chapter in my life and be on my own for the first time. When I first came for a tour at

Danielle Manzo

GSU, everyone was so nice and welcoming, so I applied. Orientation was awesome!!

The navigators were really peppy and welcoming which got me excited too! I made new friends and got my schedule and I am really pumped to get started.”

Cymone Muhammad

Cymone Muhammad – Flossmoor, IL, Homewood-Flossmoor H.S. – “It’s the new freshman class! I think there are many opportunities at GSU to start new things like clubs and activities and meeting new people. Why GSU? I wanted to stay close to home and my mom went there, so I decided to apply.”

Daniel Rovak – Oak Lawn Community H.S. Oak Lawn, IL – “I’m absolutely excited because

Daniel Rovak

I know I am going to love it! I’m most looking forward to volunteering in the community.”

Erick Vargas – Onarga, IL, Iroquois West H.S. – “I am very excited to go to GSU… just getting away from family and finally going off to college. What excites me most?

We’re starting history. We are the start of something new at Governors State.”

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TRANS4MATION The New Face of Honors

GSU has always served a diverse population, preparing students for 21st Century Careers. Our honors program encourages them to go further than they imagined.

2014 Freshman Honors Program

HS Class Rank

Students:

18

Freshman Class:

237 (confirmed as of 8/12/14)

21%+: 16.7%

HP as a % of Freshman Class: 7.59%

11-20%: 16.7%

Not Reporting: 5.6%

Top 10%: 61.1%

Gender Women: 72.2%

Men: 27.8%

Ethnicity

Caucasian: 5.56%

Hispanic: 44.44%

African American: 44.44%

Academic Demographics Avg. HS GPA Unweighted: 3.452

Asian: 5.56%

Avg. HS Honors Classes Taken: 6.67 Avg. ACT Composite:

19.6

2014 Freshman Honors Program Students’ High Schools CPS - Insitituto: 7 Hillcrest: 3 CPS - South Shore: 1 Thornton Fractional North: 1

Rich Central: 1 Buffalo Grove: 1 Thornton Township: 1

CPS - Christian Fenger: 1 Plainfield: 1 CPS - Bronzeville: 1

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TRANS4MATION 2014-2015 Undergraduate Costs and Financial Aid Tuition is based on Fall/Spring or academic year (15 hr/semester)

Direct Costs

Tuition (based on 15 hr/semester) Mandatory Fees On-Campus Housing* Total Estimated Direct Cost

Other Estimated Costs Books and Supplies Personal Expenses Transportation (commuter students) Computer or Laptop Total Other Estimated Costs

Possible Financial Aid Sources** Federal Pell Grant Supplemental Grant State of IL MAP Grant Federal Student Loans (dependent students)

Federal Perkins Loans Federal Work Study

$7,650 $1,736 $5,238 $14,624

$900 $4,000 $3,000 $1,000 $8,900

Up to $5,730 $700 Up to $3,998 Freshman: $5,500 Sophomore: $6,500 Junior & Senior: $7,500 $2,000 $3,000

* Based on suite-style unit for an academic year. **To see if you qualify for financial aid please complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at www.fafsa.gov. The Office of Financial Aid will process your information and send you a Financial Aid Award Letter detailing the different types of financial aid for which you qualify. tuition listed is for Illinois and Indiana residents only

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Governors State University By the Numbers

Tuition & Fees Over Four Years State Universities of Illinois Governors State University Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Eastern Illinois University Chicago State University Southern Illinois University Carbondale Western Illinois University University of Illinois Springfield Northeastern Illinois University Illinois State University Northern Illinois University University of Illinois Chicago University of Illinois Urbana/Champaign Source: IBHE Records

University of Illinois Urbana/Champaign

University of Illinois Chicago

Illinois State University

Northern Illinois University

Southern Illinois University Carbondale

Northeastern Illinois University

University of Illinois Springfield

Western Illinois University

Eastern Illinois University

Chicago State University

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

Governors State University

University of Illinois Urbana/Champaign

University of Illinois Chicago

Illinois State University

Northern Illinois University

Southern Illinois University Carbondale

Northeastern Illinois University

University of Illinois Springfield

Western Illinois University

Eastern Illinois University

Chicago State University

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

Governors State University

The most affordable undergraduate tuition in the State of Illinois

Tuition & Fees for Full-time Residents Tuition + Fees (for year 2015 -2016) $9,386 $9,738 $11,108 $11,912 $12,056 $12,217 $12,240 $12,609 $13,296 $13,510 $14,588 $15,602

Tuition + Fees (for 4 years) $37,544 $38,952 $44,432 $47,648 $48,224 $48,868 $48,960 $50,436 $53,184 $54,040 $58,352 $62,408 10

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TRANS4MATION GSU AT A GLANCE

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Founded: 1969 Enrollment: 5,568 (Fall 2013)

Safety First First Freshman Class: more than 200 students Alumni: 45,541 Students of Color: 53 percent Women Students: 71 percent Faculty: 450 Staff: 497

GSU ranks as the safest public university campus in Illinois.

Art Landscape

This is the only Illinois university set in a sculpture park – with 27 pieces from a global community of sculptors situated on our 700+ acre campus – one of the top 10 in the world.

Score!

The GSU table tennis team is the highest ranked college team in Illinois.

Off-Campus Learning Centers: • Naperville

• Oak Forest

• River Grove

• Chicago Loop

Fully Accredited by the Higher

Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools

4 Colleges: Arts and Sciences,

Business and Public Administration, Education and Health and Human Services

• 30 bachelor’s degree programs • 28 master’s degree programs • 5 doctoral degree programs • 1 specialist degree program • 24 certificate programs

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Since GSU welcomed its first students and faculty in 1969, Big Ideas have found a home here. Take a look at some of our “First,” “Best,” “Only” and “I didn’t know that” facts:

Students Receiving Financial Aid: 65 percent The School of Extended Learning offers: • Professional Development Courses • Personal Enrichment • Exam Prep • Courses Credit & Certification Courses • Small Business Development Training

Those Aren’t Weeds

They’re part of the GSU Prairie Restoration Project, restoring the area to pre-settlement conditions. Native plants are flourishing all over campus, including parking lots.

Growth Opportunity

The University Sustainable Garden includes 52 plots ranging from 35 square feet for beginners to 400 square feet for experienced gardeners. GSU students grow their produce to sustain a Student Food Pantry. The GSU Family Development Center uses the Sustainable Garden to educate young children on growing their own food.

The College of Health and Human Services is developing a raised, fully accessible garden.

That Looks Familiar

In 1984, GSU became “Wright State University” when CBS filmed the movie “First Steps” starring Judd Hirsch on campus.

Power to the Kids

A wind turbine powers early childhood education and childcare at the GSU Family Development Center.

Source: GSU Factbook July 2014

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1 University Parkway University Park, IL 60484 708.534.5000 • rbrown11@govst.edu • www.govst.edu